Check out the Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 HEV’s strengths, weaknesses

At the 10th Philippine International Motor Show, Toyota Motor Philippines is due to expand its lineup by introducing the Land Cruiser LC300 hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). 

As made apparent by its name, this upcoming model is the electrified version of Toyota’s highly popular full-size sport utility vehicle (SUV). On its ICE (internal combustion engine)-only version, the Land Cruiser LC300 already has a lot of desirable qualities, but does the HEV variant have any particular strengths one should know about?

Also, does it have any weaknesses? Let’s find out here. 

Pros

Same torquey powertrain, enhanced fuel economy

One huge reason to get the Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 HEV is its hybrid powertrain. Specifically, it packs a familiar 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo diesel engine under its hood that’s paired with a single-motor hybrid system. 

On its own, the SUV ameplate’s ICE engine can dish out 457 horsepower (hp) and 650 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. The model’s electric motor further contributes 49 hp and 250 Nm - resulting in a power and torque-rich platform that doesn’t compromise (too much) on fuel economy. 

For now, Toyota Motor Philippines has yet to share an estimated fuel consumption reading for the Land Cruiser LC300 HEV. Regardless, its European-spec version is touted to be able to provide “assistance” during slow, stop-and-go traffic where turbodiesels are known to be quite thirsty. 

Other noted advantages of having an electric motor for the Toyota Land Cruiser include better throttle response, enhanced towing, and better all-terrain capabilities. 

Notably, the HEV version of the LC300 still comes with crucial off-roady bits, such as a 4x4 system, locking differentials, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and a generous ground clearance of 240 millimeters (mm). Specific to the HEV trim, however, is a revamped power steering system and an aerodynamic bodykit - pieces that are said to contribute to efficiency and reducing one’s carbon footprint. 

And yes, the electrified Land Cruiser still rides on a ladder-frame platform that’s equipped with a front double wishbone and rear multi-link suspension system. 

Again, all are familiar mechanical parts already present on the proven non-hybrid LC300, but the addition of an all-electric drive flat-out means this is one of the most powerful Land Cruiser models ever made without being too thirsty.

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Fully decked out with creature comforts

Another big reason to like the Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 HEV is its sheer number of creature comforts and safety gear. 

As standard, the model’s three-row layout comes with leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats. The aforementioned goes together with plenty of soft-touch surfaces on the interior door cards and on the dash. More on these below. 

Keeping everyone inside the hybrid SUV cool is a four-zone automatic climate control system. Likewise present is a power tailgate, front seat ventilation, a wireless smartphone charging pad, USB charging ports, a 12-volt accessory outlet, an HDMI port, six bottle holders, six cupholders, a 50:50 split-folding third row, a 60:40 split second row, and a moon roof. 

On the outside, the vehicle also gets power-folding/adjustable side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, LED lighting, and automatic headlamps. 

The model's on-board entertainment and navigation is handled by a 12.3-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The said screen is linked to a 14-piece JBL sound system.

If these features mentioned above seem familiar, be aware that most of these are also present on the ICE-only Land Cruiser LC300. 

Safety-wise, the Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 HEV comes with advanced driver-assist systems, including pre-collision system, adaptive high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, lane trace assist, lane departure alert, 360-degree view camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, and safety exit assist. These go together with a multitude of passive safety gear. 

Retaining a very involved driving experience

Even though the Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 HEV (and even the non-hybrid version) is already equipped with lots of technological bells and whistles, it still retains a very “analog” feel in its cockpit. 

The aforementioned is shown by all the physical buttons and knobs you can fiddle around with on the dashboard. These include the ones for its climate controls, media player volume, drive modes, and off-road functions.  

All control surfaces on the car feel familiar and are easily recognizable, even by a new driver. But otherwise, it doesn’t skimp on the luxury features either. 

For starters, the one we saw at the 10th PIMS came with wood trim around the center console (surrounding the front cabin cup holders) - a refreshing alternative to the tacky, shiny surfaces that are all the rage in new energy vehicles nowadays. 

Additionally, the vehicle thankfully comes with a straightforward round steering wheel. Sure, the d-shaped ones do have some advantages, but a round wheel is surely welcoming for both traditionalists and newer drivers alike. 

Other noteworthy driving amenities present on the Land Cruiser LC300 HEV include, but are not limited to:

• Push-to-start button
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Electronic parking brake
• Front cabin armrest
• 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
• Tilt and telescopic steering column
• Leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel
• Head-up display
• Keyless entry

Cons

Massive size isn’t for everyone

Because the Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 HEV is still based on the ICE Land Cruiser LC300, it inherits some of its pain points. 

Notably, its size is simply massive, to the point that its driving experience is somewhat far removed from compacts and even mid-size SUVs. 

For reference, the Land Cruiser LC300 HEV is 5,130 mm long, 1,980 mm wide, and 1,945 mm in height. This means that one actually has to take time to get used to driving and handling its sheer girth. Or rather, build confidence in driving the very large ride. 

The aforementioned, of course, is especially true for those new to full-size SUVs. Sure, the model’s 360-degree camera may help, but one still has to navigate the often low height clearance in basement or mall parking areas in the Philippines. 

Then there’s the fact that one really has to be aware of whether the Land Cruiser LC300, HEV or otherwise, can even fit into one’s garage. 

Granted, this isn’t a weakness per se and isn't exclusive to the Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 HEV. This is also an issue on other large SUVs and vans, but yes, it is an issue that one has to be aware of, nonetheless. 

Final thoughts

With a price of P6.945 million, the hybrid version of the Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 carries a large premium over the ICE-only version. On the other hand, the massive improvement in output figures and the potentially higher levels of fuel efficiency the HEV variant provides are just too attractive to ignore.

These go together with the fact that it is still a true-blue Land Cruiser nameplate, with its high off-road capability and abundance of features. 

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